Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Friday, October 3, 2014

‘Send men home earlier’ if the government wants women to shine

Labornet TV featured “Prime Minister Abe’s Policy to Empower Women” on Sept. 24. TAKENOBU Mieko (left) said on the internet TV, “Our situation is totally sad as the equality index between Japanese men and women ranks 101st in the world.”

Regarding Abe’s policies on women, she expressed her concerns by pointing out that only elite women in corporations will be able to shine. “Abe’s policies will create a system where foreign workers take on house chores, child-raising or care giving—anything that is a burden in the homes, and women will be made to work as hard as men instead. Public welfare will be massively cut,” she said.

YUNOKI Yasuko (right) expressed her anger by saying that 60 percent of non-regular workers are women but “Abe is pushing to worsen the Dispatch Law for workers. If he gets what he wants, the percentage of women who become non-regular workers will rise to 80 percent. Who can shine within such a system?!”

Yunoki also called on labor unions to send men home earlier from work. “The main cause of Japan’s misfortune is that work hours are not regulated,” she said. “What we first have to do is to send men home earlier.” (By M)